This podcast shines a new light on the underrated Cincinnati Cobra; the greatest light-heavyweight of all time. The series will ultimately follow Charles to his match against Joe Louis, and the characters who followed him– his family and the mafia. The premier episode, “More Than a Gym Fighter” is a deep-dive into a very different Cincinnati. Go to a bustling Findlay Market in the 1940s, in between the pool tables and cigar smoke at the American Legion Hall in Newport, Kentucky for Charles’ first boxing match, and a Battle Royale in Lawrenceville, Georgia.

Play Episode 1

“Total Fighter” features interviews and stories from Buddy LaRosa, founder of LaRosa’s Pizza, William Dettloff, author of “Ezzard Charles: a Boxing Life,” Frank Wettencamp, one of Ezz’s high school classmates, and more. This show explores his complex character; why the name “Ezzard Charles” became an insult by Frank Sinatra and an inspiration to the composer George Russell.

Play Episode 2

You can first hear new episodes and updates right here on Loveland Magazine or by following Ricky Mulvey on Facebook, @rickymulvey on Instagram, and @rickssoslick on Twitter.

You can find the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or most other platforms.